Re: Real numbers would be interesting
Not all payloads are the same - the largest payloads will always require the first stage to be forfeited, but slightly smaller payloads afford the spare capacity for some 'descent fuel' to be carried as well.
(Slightly lighter payloads don't have enough spare fuel to return to base, hence the barge landing option)
Of course given the cost of the stage it might be more economical to split the big payload in two and assemble it in orbit?!
As for designing things for reuse - it's a good thing that cars are single use items... and planes... and bikes.... and shoes....
Oh, wait a moment.
They don't have to be very much heavier, certainly not when compared with the all up mass of the rocket.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
